Port of São Francisco, Brazil, Chosen for Maiden Voyage of Chinese Cargo Ship

The Port of São Francisco do Sul recently welcomed the Chinese vessel Yong Jiang on its maiden voyage. Departing from the shipyard in May, the cargo ship made its first journey directly to the northern Santa Catarina terminal. From there, it will return to China carrying 66,000 tons of soybeans, a voyage that takes 35 days. The ship’s arrival coincided with the Port of São Francisco’s 69th anniversary, celebrated on July 1st. Built in Nantong, China, by a consortium of Chinese (Nantong Cosco) and Japanese (KHI Ship) shipowners, the modern vessel costs approximately $40 million, around R$ 225 million.

The 21 Chinese crew members were welcomed by terminal directors Guilherme Medeiros (Operations) and Lindomar Dutra (Administration), who presented a commemorative plaque to Captain Xu Mingang. This honor is a maritime tradition, where the first port visited by a ship on its maiden voyage offers a tribute.

According to the port's president, Cleverton Vieira, the arrival of the brand-new vessel signifies São Francisco's firm integration into the international goods transport network. “The arrival of Yong Jiang on its maiden voyage proves the prestige of Santa Catarina’s ports and confirms confidence in the efficient work of our port team, maritime agents, and operators,” he stated.